Accessibility: Modern
Modern controls are better than Classic controls because they are easier to use. Fighting games are typically hard, especially if you’re just starting out. Modern controls were made to make things easier for people who are just starting out. Normal strikes now only have three buttons instead of six, so you don’t have to learn as many moves. All of your special strikes are also tied to one button, so you don’t have to do anything special to use them.
The rest of the buttons are used for methods like “drive impact,” “throw,” and “drive rush,” as well as a “assist” button that does pre-made combos when it is pressed. For people who have never played a fighting game before, Modern settings are more than enough to get you going.
Access to More Moves: Classic
Since Modern Controls has to take some shortcuts to make the game easier to use, it makes sense that some moves would have to be taken away. If you choose Classic settings, your character won’t have to be changed in any way.
Taking moves away from some fighters is a deal-breaker, because their kits wouldn’t be as good without them. Even though modern controls let you go far with any character, you may run into a problem you can’t solve without more choices. Classic settings are the best choice for players who want to get the most out of their character.
Instant Special Moves: Modern
Classic controls have more moves, but Modern controls have an advantage over Classic controls: they don’t need special inputs. To do a special move with classic controls, you had to move in a certain way and then press a button. With modern controls, you can do a special move just by pressing a button.
This change helps all characters because you can do special moves faster, but it really helps characters whose special moves take a long time to enter. Zangief’s Spinning Pile Driver, which used to require a full 360-degree turn, can now be done in a single move. Even though it might not seem like much, the time you save by hitting a button instead of moving could give you an advantage over your opponent.
Better Combo Routes: Classic
When you use Modern Controls, you will have a much smaller set of tools than when you use Classic. One of the biggest downsides of this trade-off is that you will have fewer options for routines. You can make your own combos without the help button in Modern, but if you want each hit to do as much damage as possible, you should play in Classic mode.
It’s not always about doing the most damage, though. Sometimes you want to do certain combos to put yourself in a certain situation, or you might need to change your combo based on how much meter you have. No matter how you look at it, you have to play on Classic if you like to make your character the best it can be.
Picking Up New Characters: Modern
No matter what control method you use, it takes a lot of time and effort to learn how to play any fighting game character. Modern controls make it much easier to learn how to play a character for the first time, even though you’ll never be able to do it quickly.
When you pick up a new character in Modern Controls, it can help you figure out how it works and what techniques you should learn to use it well. No matter if you like Modern or Classic controls, a good way to learn the basics of a character in Drive Mad is to use Modern controls.
The Competitive Edge: Classic
Even though Modern Controls has some good points, the bad points make it harder to play against other people. Modern Controls were made to make it easier for new players to learn the game. While it does a great job of helping new players learn, those who want to win will want every edge they can get.
The game was made to be played with Classic Controls, and while you can still become a very strong player with Modern Controls, if you want to be as strong as possible, you’ll want the control scheme that gives you every tool possible.
The Verdict: Classic Controls… Most of the time
Even though it takes longer to get used to, Classic Controls are usually the better choice, even though they are harder to learn. Some characters, like Lily and Zangief, don’t really need to use all of their moves. The benefits of Modern Controls could be worth more than the benefits of Classic Controls, especially the quick special moves.
Also, people who don’t want to compete may enjoy the game more if they use the easier control method. Even though you can’t go wrong with Classic Controls and it’s the more competitive choice, Modern Controls shouldn’t be completely written off, and you might want to try them out.